Apprenticeship & Upgrade Training
Front Range Community College ApplicationFront Range Community College Admission InstructionsContact Ryan McCoy at FRCC (303) 404-5233 or ryan.mccoy@frontrange.edu Public-Private Partnership to Increase Graduation RatesThe Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute is partnering with Front Range Community College to increase student graduation rates. Beginning in Fall 2007, RMMI is sponsoring apprentice training programs at both the high school and college level for individuals interested in Masonry Arts. Larisa LaBrant, executive director of RMMI, said the new programs in Adams County are part of a ten-year plan to develop the masonry workforce through similar apprentice training programs across Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. “Right now is perfect time for us to grow our workforce while assisting school districts in increasing their graduation rates,” LaBrant said. The workforce development program was envisioned in a strategic plan developed in 2005. High school juniors and seniors and graduates may pursue a certificate or a two-year Associate’s Degree in Masonry Arts program through Front Range Community College. The FRCC program, which will use the Westminster Hidden Lake facility, is open to anyone who meets the college’s admission requirements including current masonry or construction workers and individuals who are seeking a career change. Information on the Masonry Arts program at Front Range will be published in the Fall 2007 course catalog. The programs will use nationally-recognized masonry training curriculum and equipment donated by RMMI. “Individuals in the masonry and construction fields traditionally do not finish high school. We are changing that paradigm by having them finish high school and get a college degree,” LaBrant said. “We recognized that paradigm was caused by the students being in an academic program that didn’t work for them and we are changing that by offering training that meets their academic needs and their learning style. In general, individuals in the construction fields are kinetic learners and need a hands-on program.” The Adams County Education Consortium facilitated the coordination of the program between RMMI and the community college. Sandra Steiner, executive director of ACEC, said, "This is a prime example of industry offering enhanced learning and career opportunities for our people, of all ages, since this will ultimately serve adults as well as high school students. I applaud the patience of business and the creativity of education in program developments like this and know the support exists to make this a model for additional programs in the future." Individuals who complete an apprentice training program earn significantly more working for a masonry company than do individuals who enter the masonry field with no training. In addition, straight out of school the graduates have the skills to successfully start and grow their own masonry business. |